48 The excited host

The morning sun peeked through the curtains and Zara got up to find that her mother was already out for work. She quickly sent a text to Jake, asking him to pick her up. Half an hour later, he was out at the front door, honking at the car.

She smiled as she locked the doors, "Sheesh, I am coming, stop blaring that stupid horn."

Jake laughed and she sat beside him. "Are you sure, Mr Turner wouldn't mind?"

Jake assured her, "He would be more than happy to see a beautiful face. All he gets to see is me."

Zara smiled as light snow fell on the ground. She stuck out a hand and collected a few snowflakes and blew them out, "Why is it snowing, right now?"

Jake started the ignition of his pick up as he mused, "Grandpa says, the skies give us a sign of heaven's mood. If it's warm and sunny, it means God is feeling happy, if it is dark and gloomy- well you can guess."

"Oh and when it is snowing lightly despite the sun?"

"Maybe he is undecided on his mood."

They both laughed as Jake drove through the road, taking in the sight of Zara who was smiling- the way her brows crinkled and the way her cheeks looked flushed made him smile too.

She caught him looking at her and Jake immediately turned his attention to the steering wheel. They drove silently until Zara spotted a roadside shop and asked Jake to pull over.

"I think I need to get him some flowers."

She stepped out of the truck while Jake stayed seated inside. Zara spoke to the seller- an old woman, who was dressed in plain clothes.

The old woman welcomed her, "Hi, my name is Bertha. How may I help you today?"

Zara was looking around the brightly colored stall talking to Bertha animatedly, asking about all the fresh looking flowers.

Bertha showed her a basket of purple orchids and Zara squealed in delight. "I love them." However, she sighed after checking her pockets, "These are beautiful but I don't have that amount of cash with me right now. Plus I need to take them for a patient."

Bertha nodded and showed her a bouquet of light-pink colored carnations and Zara immediately bought them. The woman smiled and then waved over to Jake, "How are you doing, young man?"

Jake smiled, "Doing fine, mam."

The old woman quirked her eyebrows, "Mam? Not many kids speak like that nowadays."

Jake laughed and she added pointing to a bouquet of red roses, "Why don't you buy these for your sweet girlfriend? You know, to express your love."

Jake fumbled, seemingly lost for words when Zara replied, "I'll take these carnations Bertha. Thank you."

She handed her the change and sat in the truck in haste, toying with her seatbelt.

Jake gave Bertha a small smile and started the ignition, as they drove to Mr. Turner's home in silence. Trying to keep herself busy, she kept prying on the seatbelt.

"Z, there is no need to be nervous. I stand by my words."

Zara bit her lip and adjusted her glasses as Jake announced, "We have arrived."

He killed the ignition and got down from the truck and like a gentleman pulled open her side of the door, so that she could get out.

They both stood on the front steps of the house and Jake rang the doorbell. The door opened and Jake was immediately on the ground as a dog pounded on him.

Jake shot out his hands and tried to use a stern voice, "No, Max, back off." But there was no use, the labrador kept lapping and licking at him. "Okay, okay. Let me get up buddy."

After five minutes of licking and tail wagging, Max released Jake who patted the dog's back. Max then shot a curious look at Zara who had been watching them in awe.

Jake motioned him, "Come here buddy, this is Zara."

Max followed Jake and sniffed at Zara as she stood still, her eyes going round as the dog took his time getting to know her. Jake laughed as he saw Zara standing rock solid as a statue and whispered, "He doesn't bite. You can relax."

Zara nodded and tried to move her hand meaning to grab the railing that lined the front porch. Instead, Max suddenly stood on his hind legs and put his front paws on her stomach, startling her. Zara lost her balance and she collided with Jake as both of them awkwardly fell down.